Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kierston Armstrong. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kierston , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Funny story about me: when my mom was pregnant with me they had to shock her tummy to get me to move because apparently I had other plans to nap. I still find the time to take about 1-2 naps a week if I’m lucky. I’m truly a couch potato at heart, but I’ve been doing some type of job since I was about 15 when we moved to Tennessee. My mom, my sister, and I lived on a beautiful campground at the top of Sewanee Mountain in an apartment at the end of a long dirt road. Exciting for a 16 year old, right? This land is owned by my mom’s friend, Maureen, who she is still very close with to this day.
Since we were young and had two hands, of course we were given jobs to help out around the campground and whatever else Maureen needed. Now I don’t know if you or the readers have ever been around German people, but if they have they would probably have a better understanding of the expectations Ms. Maureen had of us while we worked the small and odd jobs here and there.
Even though there was a good bit of resentment and eye rolls about the everlasting list of chores to be done, I truly feel like this stuck with me as I’ve gotten older. With all that being said, I did watch my mother work very hard to take care of us for years and still works hard now for herself. She has almost died 3 times and still gets up and at em everyday! Through her struggles, our struggles, and whatever comes at us I do feel like I am stronger because of her and Ms. Maureen.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I used to not like when people would ask me “Are you an artist?” because I didn’t feel like I was. I didn’t feel like I was good enough to say I was, either. 3 years ago I would have done a little shrug and said “something like that.” I love that girl the same, but she’s totally different now! After countless hours of hard work and my very own blood, sweat, and tears I’m so excited to say with confidence that I am an artist! Since I established Kierismatic Design in May of 2022 I have come a long way and done over 50 shows, events, and parties all over Middle Tennessee and still counting! I chose to stay as busy as possible and it has slowly but surely started to pay off in many ways with so much sacrifice.
While you and most of middle Tennessee may know me for my face painting, I love to create, draw, paint, and started to fall in love with digital art from making flyers, stickers, logos, business cards, tattoos..you name it! I have probably tried it. A lot of people don’t know that Kierismatic Design does a lot more than just paint faces, which is why I say I’m an artist and not just a body artist. I feel like my opportunity to paint a mural in Nashville is right around the corner because it’s definitely on my list of things I want to do!
With my brushes by my side, laughs in my pocket, and a dream, I have worked with Kamans at the Nashville Zoo, The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Adventure Science Center, Margaritaville Hotels, and will be a part of the 54th Annual Threshermen Show this month just to name a few that I’m very proud of. I’ve been asked to return to a few events too. That makes me feel so thankful for everything I’ve been able to do.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I started my face painting journey in my room and that lead me to the Nashville Zoo. I was truly so nervous and shaky when I first started. My hand would shake, sometimes someone would even mention that they saw my hand shake and that made it even worse. I would not be the face painter I am today without my time spent working there. The crowd, the pace, and the heat all take getting used to and I needed to be out there to help conquer my anxieties about painting in front of people. Now, I am cool as a cucumber even on my first faces of the day!
Now imagine how many times I was not cool as a cucumber, or I made a mistake, or worse, I made $0 for the day. I have taken some hard losses since I started 3 years ago but they worth it. I still get excited for the next event. I very rarely leave an event early if ever. I’ve become almost delusional about my business but the success I crave feels so much closer this season! My drive comes from a few places, I feel like it’s unique to person like a finger print. Once you figure it out, it’s like a whole new world becomes yours.
Lastly I would say working on your people skills. One of my biggest worries about my first event was literally what to talk about. Talking turns into business opportunities and making connections with people. These are both important when you have your own business in my opinion. Bonus points if you can get a few laughs out of people. It’s always more fun.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
June 2024 was the busiest month I’ve had in a long time because I was in the process of moving. So, I had to go to work and I still booked events. With all that mixed together, I really had a challenging time keeping my stress down. It can be hard to not let yourself fall behind with a list so long, but it’s possible! I took it easy for at least an hour when I got off of work by watching comfort shows or scrolling through my phone for a bit before I started packing. I try to do the same with everything in life so I’m not waiting until the last minute to do anything. I can’t lie and say I approach everything this way. I fall behind and get way too stressed sometimes, myself, but I’ve made it through all my bad days so far!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kierston.paints?igsh=MXFpZ3ZwcHFqZTBjOQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: Kierismatic Design
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